Getting To Zocalo From Airport
Quick answer: You can get to Zocalo from Mexico City’s Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX) by Metrobus (about 30 pesos, 45 minutes to 1 hour), by Metro (5 pesos, 45 minutes to 1 hour, with three line changes) or by authorised airport taxi (200–250 pesos, 20–30 minutes). Prices are as they were at the time of writing.
For most visitors, Mexico’s capital, Ciudad de México or Mexico City, is the gateway to the country. Its main airport, Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX), is roughly 8 km from Zocalo, the historic centre.
Why Stay at Zocalo?
Zocalo is the heart of the historic centre and home to numerous hostels. It houses some of Mexico City’s major attractions:
- Plaza de la Constitución
- Palacio Nacional (National Palace)
- Metropolitan Cathedral, the largest cathedral in the Americas
- Templo Mayor, one of the main temples of the Aztecs
The historic centre is patrolled by police, which makes it one of the safest areas of this bustling metropolis.
Airport to Zocalo: Options Compared
| Option | Cost | Journey time | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metrobus | 30 Pesos (+10 Pesos card) | 45 mins – 1 hr | Mon–Sat 4.30 am–midnight; Sun and holidays 5 am–midnight |
| Metro | 5 Pesos | 45 mins – 1 hr | — |
| Authorised taxi | 200–250 Pesos | 20–30 mins | 24 hours |
Getting to Zocalo from the Airport by Metrobus
An inexpensive and convenient option is the Metrobus. Buses leave regularly from both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 and run via San Lázaro Station through the Historic Centre towards Buenavista.
All buses have security cameras, a police officer on board, a dedicated luggage area and reserved space for wheelchairs. To reach Zocalo, get off at “Avenida Argentina”, three blocks from Plaza de la Constitución, the main square.
You can only pay with a smart card, sold from automated machines at any terminal. The card costs 10 Mexican Pesos and can also be used to rent bikes and ride the Metro.
The machine will not give change, so if you pay with a 100 Peso note, you’ll get 90 Pesos credited to the card after the one-time 10 Peso card fee.
Cost: 30 Pesos | Journey Time 45 mins – 1 Hr |
Timings: From Monday to Saturday – 04.30 am to 00.00 am | On Sundays and holidays – 05.00 am to 00.00 am |
Getting to Zocalo by Metro
Mexico City has an impressive metro system connecting almost every corner of the city and its suburbs. “Terminal Aérea” station is the closest to the airport, with frequent Line 5 (Yellow Line) service.
- From Terminal Aérea, take a train towards Pantitlán and get off at the last station, Pantitlán.
- At Pantitlán, take the Pink Line (Line 1) to Pino Suárez.
- At Pino Suárez, change to the Blue Line (Line 2) in the direction of Cuatro Caminos and get off at the next station, Zocalo.
Zocalo station is in the main square, a few metres from most hostels. The downside is that it can be tiring, since you have to use three lines, and the Metro is often crowded, even at weekends.
Cost: 5 Mexican Pesos | Journey Time: 45 Minutes to 1 Hour |
Getting to Zocalo by Taxi
The easiest way to reach the centre is by taxi. After leaving the baggage area you’ll find several counters; look for an authorised airport taxi service (Taxi Autorizado). At the time of writing, six companies operated at Mexico City airport (MEX): Yellow Cab, Porto Taxi, Nueva Imagen, Sitio 300, Confort and Excelencia.
Ignore anyone who offers you a taxi the moment you step into the arrivals hall and walk straight to the desk. A fare chart is posted next to the desk, clearly showing the fare to each area of the city.
Once you pay, the agent issues a confirmation slip, which you present near Door 9 before boarding the taxi.
Cost: Between 200-250 Mexican Pesos | Journey Time: 20-30 minutes | Taxis operate 24 hours |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way from the airport to Zocalo?
The Metro, at 5 Mexican Pesos, though it involves three line changes and can be crowded.
What is the fastest way to get to Zocalo from the airport?
An authorised airport taxi, which takes 20–30 minutes and costs 200–250 Pesos.
Do I need a card for the Metrobus?
Yes. You pay with a smart card bought from machines at the terminal; the card costs 10 Pesos and the machines give no change.
Conclusion
Getting to Zocalo from the airport is simple whichever option you choose: the Metrobus for value and comfort, the Metro for the lowest fare, or an authorised taxi for speed. Once there, you’ll be in the heart of Mexico City’s historic centre, within walking distance of its top sights.
